Maths test unveiled for student teachers
By Liz Lightfoot, Education Correspondent
THE first tests for teachers were unveiled yesterday to a mixed reaction
from
unions.
Trainee teachers will have to prove that they can add, subtract, multiply
and
divide, read graphs and work out percentages before they can work in the
classroom. They will also sit tests in grammar, punctuation and spelling
plus
information and communication technology. The numeracy tests, the first
to be
introduced, will include mental arithmetic questions expecting trainees
to work
out, for example, seven and a half per cent as a decimal and 36 as a
percentage of 60.
The Government told the Teacher Training Agency (TTA) to devise the tests
because of concern about bad grammar, spelling and arithmetic among school
leavers. It wanted to ensure that teachers filled in any gaps in their
education
and mastered the three Rs plus computer technology before they entered
the
classroom.
But Doug McAvoy, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said
the Government had failed to prove the need for the regime, which he called
a
"headline-grabbing exercise". The tests were an "unnecessary additional
imposition on young people who already have to get good grades in English
and maths at GCSE to get on a course", he said. "Extremely good art
teachers could be lost to the profession because they are no good at maths."
David Hart, for the National Association of Head Teachers, however, said
it
was "absolutely reasonable to expect trainee teachers to demonstrate the
appropriate skills".
Peter Smith, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers,
said: "Few teachers will find them impossible." The tests are to be introduced
in stages, with students qualifying this year required to sit the 45-minute
numeracy paper on June 1.
They will be able to re-sit it on July 26 and again three times during
their
school-based induction year. From next year students will have to pass
all
three tests before they can qualify to work as teachers in state schools.
They
will be able to sit them at any stage of their training and given four
chances to
pass. The tests apply to students qualifying in England and there are plans
to
introduce them in Wales.
This year's test will be a pen and paper exercise, with an oral mental
arithmetic element but future students will take them on a computer. Though
the numeracy tests will not be piloted until next month, 540 students and
newly qualified teachers have already taken them. Frankie Sulke, the TTA's
head of teacher training, could not comment on how they did because the
papers were not marked "as a test".
The candidates were reassured by the questions which they judged to be
relevant to their work. She said: "We are not closing the door on anyone
who
wants to be a teacher. The important thing is that people should have these
skills by the time they qualify."
Candidates will be able to jot down their working out for the mental arithmetic
section and, for the written paper, can use calculators. The sample questions
are available on the TTA's website and support material will be added next
month.